Birthdays 4 and 6

  Hi friends and family!  I am alive and well.  I have plenty to share, but have been using the little alone time that I have to put my head down and carve stamps for my annual calendar.  I am 7/12 done with the stamps and know I can knock out these last 5 like a boss!

  In the meantime, I didn't want another week to go by without sharing Joel's birthday.  And while we're at it, I thought I'd share what we did on Ava's birthday.

  Joel decided with much assertion that he did not want a party, but instead wanted to go to Great America.  This was after a theme of Lego Ice Cream had been decided, but fortunately I had yet to prep anything for it.  I asked and re-asked thinking he would be lured by cake and ice cream as he always is, but he was dead set on Great America.  While I enjoy throwing a good party, I was very relieved.  (Hannah also did not have a 6th birthday party.)  Looking back, he had about a great a week as he could.  Presents were being delivered every day that week, not to mention a fun actual birthday and Great America to look forward to.  He asked if Calvin could come, because he is just the sweetest.

Chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast!!

But first, smoothie!!  Slurped that down faster than ever!

And ate these even faster!

  I am not a cake decorator!!  Never have been, never aspire to.  But wow, I can bake a good chocolate cake.  I am not even a cake person, but I definitely had multiple pieces.  If you want an easy and fail-proof cake recipe, I've got one for you!

This was waiting us as we got home from the pool!

He had just gotten his cast off the day before.  It was like he hadn't swam in months.  Frolicking and breaching...so cute!

Birthday celebration at school!  6 journeys around the sun!!

 Great America!!  Got frequent pics and vids from their time there.  Joel was hopping and jumping and doing all the things that show how happy he is.  Love him!

Meanwhile, the girls begged me to take them to the pool.  Hannah gave Ava swim lessons and I read a book and actually finished it!!  I have only been working on it for months!!

   More updates from the boys!

 I can't even believe Joel is 6.  Happy birthday, buddy!!

Like I mentioned, since we are on birthday sharing, here is Ava's actual birthday festivities!

    We went to a park in the morning with 2 friends.  We went to a park.  I don't remember the last time I've taken my kids to the park.  I asked her if she wanted to go and she said, "no!"  Then I had to explain that we actually were going to go and I bribed her by saying that I would push her on the swing as long as she wanted me to.  She was in the car in no time.

Pool time in the afternoon!

Adult swim time and daddy took full advantage of it.  The kids loved it too!!

  And now they are no longer 3, 5, 7, 9.  And as much as I tell them I don't want them to get older, I realize birthdays are a really good thing.  And we are so fortunate to be able to celebrate each one.  So bring them on!